As most people predicted, Alabama won the SEC championship game Saturday, but basically nothing else about the game against Georgia - a rematch of last year's national championship game - was predictable.

Backup quarterback Jalen Hurts took over for Heisman Trophy candidate Tua Tagovailoa at the beginning of the fourth quarter - but it was because the starter was injured. It was reminiscent of Tagovailoa replacing Hurts at halftime during that national championship game and carrying the team to a victory.

Hurts led the Crimson Tide to an 80-yard touchdown drive and connected with Jerry Jeudy for the score, which tied the game at 28. And with about a minute left in the fourth quarter, he ran in for a 15-yard touchdown to give Alabama its first lead of the game. The Crimson Tide won, 35-28.

Afterward in an on-field interview, Nick Saban got emotional and choked up while talking about Hurts.

Saban said:

"Well we've always had a lot of faith in Jalen, and I told him when we put him in when Tua got hurt, 'It's your time.' And he certainly took advantage of it and did a fantastic job. I'm so proud of this guy for what he's done this year. I can't even tell you.

"Great comeback for our team. Showed a tremendous amount of resiliency, you know, in the game. We didn't play great, but we won the SEC today and we're so happy about that."

“I’m so proud of this guy for what he’s done this year, I can’t even tell you.”

Boise State Broncos running back Alexander Mattison (22) slides into the end zone to score a touchdown against Fresno State Bulldogs defensive back Juju Hughes (23) during the second half at Albertsons Stadium. Brian Losness, USA TODAY Sports

Clemson Tigers running back Lyn-J Dixon (23) scores a touchdown against Pittsburgh Panthers defensive back Dennis Briggs (20) during the second half in the ACC championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Jim Dedmon, USA TODAY Sports

Alabama Crimson Tide running back Josh Jacobs (8) recovers his fumble in the end zone for a touchdown against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second quarter of the SEC championship game. John David Mercer, USA TODAY Sports

Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Kyler Murray (1) celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass during the first half against the Texas Longhorns in the Big 12 Championship game at AT&T Stadium. Kevin Jairaj, USA TODAY Sports